Apple News Today: How Public Opinion Has Shifted in Trump’s First 100 Days
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Shemitah Basu

Introduction

In the April 28, 2025 episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into the evolving landscape of American public opinion during President Donald Trump's initial 100 days in office. The episode not only examines Trump's shifting approval ratings but also explores significant immigration policies, a pivotal Canadian election influenced by Trump's presidency, and highlights from global and sporting events.

Immigration Crackdowns Across the U.S.

The episode opens with a detailed account of recent aggressive immigration enforcement actions nationwide:

• Colorado Nightclub Arrests: Basu reports that 114 immigrants were apprehended at a nightclub in Colorado, marking one of the largest single-day arrests of individuals without legal status since Trump's return to office. These individuals were deported following processing by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• Florida ICE Operations: In Florida, ICE arrested nearly 800 immigrants over a week-long initiative. This operation was notable for the first collaboration between federal agents and local law enforcement under a formal agreement, signaling a heightened commitment to immigration enforcement.

Arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan

A major news story covered is the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan:

• Incident Details: On Friday, the FBI arrested Judge Dugan for allegedly obstructing an immigration proceeding by facilitating the escape of an individual with a deportation order. The suspect was later apprehended after fleeing on foot.

• Legal and Political Repercussions: Dugan appeared in court and was released on bail. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that “no one is above the law” (01:45), sparking significant controversy.

• Backlash and Analysis: Democratic leaders condemned the arrest, leading to protests in Wisconsin. Andrew Weissman, a legal analyst and former DOJ prosecutor, commented on MSNBC:

  “It's going to be so hard to prove... it's really about sending a message.” (02:31)
  Furthermore, Harry Anton, CNN’s chief data analyst, added:
  “It's fighting the last branch of government to oppose the executive branch.” (02:57)

• Defense of the Arrest: Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the DOJ’s actions on Fox News, asserting that the administration would prosecute judges who obstruct their efforts.

Deportation of U.S. Citizen Children

The episode highlights a distressing case involving the deportation of three young U.S. citizens:

• The Families: A 2-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 7-year-old child were deported alongside their mothers to Honduras. Notably, the 4-year-old has stage 4 cancer and was removed without access to necessary medications or medical consultations.

• Father's Attempt to Halt Deportation: The father of the 2-year-old filed an emergency court motion to stop the deportation, but the flight had already departed by the time the court convened.

• Government Response: Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed these deportations on NBC's Meet the Press, rejecting claims of wrongdoing and asserting that all individuals, regardless of citizenship status, are entitled to due process.

• Clarification by Harry Anton:

  “The children are U.S. Citizens and can return if someone here assumes them. Ultimately, their mothers were deported for being here illegally.” (03:55)

Public Opinion on Trump's First 100 Days

Transitioning to the central theme, Basu examines how public sentiment towards President Trump has evolved during his first 100 days:

Approval Ratings and Public Sentiment

• Initial Approval: Trump's approval at the outset of his second term mirrored the start of his first presidency. However, unlike the enduring honeymoon phase experienced by many presidents, Trump's approval ratings saw a rapid decline.

• Current Disapproval: According to the New York Times average of the latest polls, over 50% of Americans now disapprove of Trump's performance, with approval ratings sinking into the mid-40s, marking a drop of approximately 8 percentage points.

• Harry Anton's Insights:

  “It's one of the quickest falls that we've seen... Trump is underwater, with his disapproval rating above his approval rating.” (05:18)
  “The public is in the negative. He's in the red.” (08:28)

Economic Policies and Public Perception

• Economic Management: While the economy was a stronghold during Trump's first term, his handling has been criticized in his second term. Major issues include:

  • Trade Wars: Trump's aggressive trade policies, especially the 25% tariff on Canadian imports, have adversely affected the economy, according to pollster Harry Anton:

    “He took his eye off the ball. The number one issue is the economy, specifically inflation.” (07:01)

  • Inflation and Cost of Living: Public approval of Trump's economic management has plummeted, with his handling of trade, inflation, and the cost of living receiving harsh criticism.

• Government Spending Cuts: Efforts to shrink the government and reduce spending, in collaboration with Elon Musk, have been largely unpopular:

  “It is popular in the abstract to cut government spending, but the way Trump has allowed Elon Musk to go about it has absolutely hurt his brand.” (07:46)

Other Policy Areas

• Trans Issues: Trump has gained approval for his stance on transgender issues, particularly his move to block trans girls and women from participating in girls' and women's sports.

• Immigration: While still a contentious topic, Trump's policies on immigration have seen a slight dip in approval:

  “Handling of immigration is starting to dip, but it's early in the term.” (08:30)

Demographic Shifts in Support

• Core Base vs. Broader Demographics: While Trump's core base remains steadfast, his support has significantly eroded among independents, young people, and Hispanic Americans, groups that were crucial to his 2024 election victory.

• Economic Concerns as Primary Drivers: The public's dissatisfaction centers largely on economic mismanagement, particularly uncertainties introduced by trade wars and rising inflation.

The Pivotal Canadian Election

Basu shifts focus to Canada’s national elections, highlighting its intersection with Trump’s policies:

• Election Context: Just three months prior, Conservative candidate Pierre Poiliev led by 20 points amidst a platform centered on Canada first, drawing parallels to Trump's political style.

• Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies: Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian imports severely strained the Canadian economy, creating a political backlash that shifted the election dynamics from a probable Conservative landslide to a competitive race between Poiliev and Liberal incumbent Mark Carney.

• Expert Analysis by Althea Raj:

  “The polls have swung like 30 points. We've never seen anything like this.” (09:37)
  Raj attributes Carney’s rise to effectively countering Poiliev’s Trump-like rhetoric and emphasizing unity over divisiveness, which resonated with voters concerned about economic stability and national identity.

• Candidates’ Strategies:

  • Mark Carney: Presented himself as a pragmatist and candidate of unity, leveraging his experience leading major banks to appeal to centrist and traditionally Conservative voters.
  • Pierre Poiliev: Portrayed as the change candidate, but his association with Trump’s divisive policies and rhetoric hurt his appeal among voters seeking stability.

• Election Challenges:
  Raj notes that regardless of the outcome, Canada faces long-standing issues such as housing shortages, strained social services, and structural deficits, exacerbated by political polarization akin to that in the United States.

Additional News Highlights

The episode also touches upon significant international and sporting events:

• Vancouver Festival Tragedy:

  • At least 11 people died when a man rammed his SUV into a crowd during the Filipino Lapu Lapu Day festival.
  • The suspect, with a history of mental health issues, was apprehended, and authorities ruled out terrorism.
  • Vancouver’s interim police chief described it as "the darkest day in Vancouver's history."

• Vatican and Global Diplomacy:

  • Pope Francis’s funeral saw U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engage in war talks at St. Peter's Basilica, their first meeting since a contentious Oval Office encounter.
  • Post-meeting, Trump questioned Russia’s peace intentions with Ukraine, leading to fresh sanctions discussions as Russia continued military actions in Ukraine.

• European Soccer Achievements:

  • Liverpool FC secured its record-tying 20th English Premier League title, overcoming managerial changes with dominance towards the season's end.
  • Wrexham AFC, under celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, achieved their third consecutive promotion, positioning them on the brink of joining the Premier League and revitalizing the local community.

Closing Notes

Shemitah Basu wraps up the episode by directing listeners to the Apple News app for comprehensive coverage of these stories and previews an upcoming interview with Brian Goldstone, who explores the challenges faced by working individuals unable to secure stable housing despite full-time employment.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.